I started firefighting at the age of 19 and realized I was in need of glasses shortly after learning to drive the fire engines. I was having a hard time reading the street signs and trouble seeing past the back of the rig. Now I need glasses all the time. I even need glasses for my SCBA mask so I can see clearly. The problem is when I take the mask off and can’t get to my glasses right away. I wear contacts as I am a avid ice hockey goalie, but I have bad allergies and can only stand the contacts for a short period of time. 24 hour days in contacts is a problem.

I have spoken to so many people who have had LASIK and they can’t say enough about the blessing it has been to them. I had plans to get LASIK in 2004, but then I was laid off from the job I love and the money had to be spent on other things. I came back to work in March of 2006 and have never been able to save the money for LASIK. The money was not wasted as we adopted our first child this past year. So now with my job and a 2 1/2 year old at home. I am very busy and this surgery is a huge blessing in my life.

Thank you for the consideration you have shown in offering this procedure to those of us in the fire service.